Developing a Way Forward for Newborough

Here are the comments NRW has received on its draft Way Forward for Newborough. Comments were received at a drop-in session at Newborough on 24 February 2016 and subsequently via correspondence.

We are grateful for all comments received. They are all being considered as we draft detailed objectives for site management which will be available for everyone to give their views later in the Autumn 2016.

Comments on the General approach

I would like you to give at least working titles for the broad areas of management you intend to address.

I would like to know what the prime motivators of bringing about this new era of management for NF are. You appear to be reluctant to state them.

I would like proper timescales and not just ‘summer’ for when the consultations on your detailed proposals will take place, and how long, exactly, the period for responses will be.

I would like some reassurance that the Brave New World of NRW management will be materially and constructively different from the ‘we know best’ of old, which can hardly have been said to be successful.

Hope the new organisation will keep the good work up and hopefully improve all aspects.

Above all, I would like to see – and it ought to be the case – that NRW do not continue with what many have perceived, with some justification, as a secretive, bunker mentality when it comes to managing NF.

Secondly, you do not make clear what the “challenges” are.

First of all I want to make compliments to NRW for this approach and in your goal finding the right balance.

Management however is about making choices and NRW at the end is responsible for making this choices and also in making clear which priorities play a role in this.

Mi hoffwn ddatgan ein cefnogaeth i'r ymdrechion a ddisgrifir yn eich dogfen isod i reoli Tywyn Niwbwrch mewn ffordd integreiddiedig ar draws sawl ystod o reolaeth. Hoffem weld eich rheolaeth, hyd eithaf eich gallu, yn parchu integriti ecolegol a deinamig y twyni yng nghyd-destun y gorffennol (yr olyniaeth

Evans, Helen, 18/07/2016 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk I would like to declare our support of the efforts described in your document below to manage Newborough Warren in an integrated way through a varied range of management. We would like to see your management, to the best of your ability, respecting the ecology and dynamic integrity of the dunes in the context of the past (the rich historical continuity the local community gives to our appreciation of the site) and the future (long and medium term threats of changes to the sea level).

A difficult task but worthwhile task which deserves resources.

______________________________________________________________________

**Landscape**

Landscape and seascape including coastal landforms, forest, geology and geomorphology

In this way I also want to point the importance of the site for research & knowledge exchange and the need for rejuvenation experiments & monitoring. NRW has chosen a very innovative and challenging approach. And I think it’s a good thing! If new rejuvenation projects could be an option best option should be to transport the topsoil to the beach where wind & water can do their job much easier.

Dynamic dunes are the best way forward because of sea-level rise and climate change! So beware of Infrastructure, houses or other development that would hinder the dynamic of dunes.

______________________________________________________________________

**Habitats and Species**

This includes coastal, forest and woodland habitats and the associated species

Replant areas of forest to replace those that are intended on being felled.

______________________________________________________________________

Protect Species - Ponds on Warren have been destroyed by livestock - Couldn’t the areas be fenced to protect at least part of the ponds to restore amphibians etc.

______________________________________________________________________

As a coastal dune specialist I was present at the 60th anniversary meeting of Newborough Warren. The outcomes of this meeting should be taken in account closely.

What I want to emphasize is that coastal dune management only can be done on coastal dunes! And this are rare and threatened habitats in the UK, EU and probably the whole world! (And Pine forests for example are not!) So extra attention for save guarding internationally (European Habitats directive) highly appreciated habitats and species.

Furthermore I think we need further research on hydrological impact of your forest on dune slacks (e.g. Newborough) and upstream farmlands (Aberffraw dunes). As climate change benefits invasive alien species an early warning system can be a lot cheaper than management at the end. Also pine species from your planted forest threatens open dune development.

Punt Gunning - Straits Shooting Society - is this still allowed off Aber Menai? - CCW permission had devastating impact on birds.

Rwy'n dal i ddisgwyl "atebion" i lawer o gwestiynau dros y blynyddoedd. Clywais gryn rwdls anwyddonol dros y cyfnod ar sefydliad sy'n honi gwarzod y byd naturiol. Prunbynnag mae hanfod fy ngwestiwn wedi ei amlinellu uchod - pa bryd y gwelir tynnur'r coed oddi ar y safle, ac yn y tymor byr pa bryd y gwelir gwireddu tynnur yr ychydig aceri pellach o goed sydd yn y cynllun presennol?

I am still awaiting "answers" to several questions over the years. I have heard several unscientific nonsense during this period which should shame an organisation which claims it protects the natural world. However, the essence of my question has been outlined above – when will we seen the trees being removed from the site, and in the short term when will the work of removing the further acres of trees which is included in the present plan?

Query around common standards monitoring

In general, the text is interesting, invokes enthusiasm and is well balanced. A few remarks:

- In my opinion the text is a bit too well balanced; conservation of the ecosystem specific biodiversity should have a larger weight.
- Therefore, in the part ‘habitats & species’ I would (very briefly) include an evolutionary perspective. Species exclusively found in coastal dunes (Elymus farctus, Viola curtisii, Asparagus prostrates, Petalophyllum (?), ...), beaches (Cakile maritime, Atriplex lacinia, A. glabriuscula, Charadrius alexandrines?, ... ) or salt marsh (Limonium, Halimione, ...) (and of course lots of inverts...) have a very long history of adaptation to these environments; a history that deserves respect irrespective of human interests. This means the specific biodiversity of the (dynamic) coastal environment deserves a priority treatment. It cannot be conserved elsewhere.
- This also means a dune forest with sylvicultural goals (including planting of non-native species) should not be an option here.
- More attention could be paid to the fixation of dunes in NW Europe. This is a major challenge for dune conservation and the processes are not yet fully understood.
- The site can be promoted as a laboratorium for scientific research and environmental education.

Y mae'r dynodiad Ewropeaidd (SAC) wedi cael ei anwybyddu'n ddifrifol ar dros hanner y safle. Oni ellir diddymu y dynodiad, yna mae Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru yn gweithredu'n groes i brif swyddogaeth y safle. Dyliid mynd ati rhag blaen i sicrhau nad ydyw'r blanhigfa estron yn difetha hydroleg y safle a diddymu lllystfyiant naturiol y twyni. Dylai'r coed yma gael eu torri a chodi eu bonion ac adfer y safle crysyal ag y gellid. The European designation (SAC) has been seriously ignored over half the site. Unless the notation can be cancelled, then Natural Resources Wales are operating in contravention of site’s main rôle. We should proceed ahead of time to ensure that this non-native plantation does not destroy the site’s hydrology and is not eradicating the dune’s natural vegetation. These trees should be cut and their stems dug out and the site should be restored as far as possible.

(It is utter foolishness to introduce squirrels to a site where trees should not exist is self-explanatory – should be moved to another location)

______________________________________________________________________

**People**

This includes the local community, visitors, culture and heritage, access, recreation, education and interpretation

Facebook page to show info and get info. Clear id to separate noisy and quiet areas. Marram Grass and other campsites encourage dog owners to use lanes to walk dogs etc.

______________________________________________________________________

It has been interesting to learn why seemingly random work has been done. It makes more sense once you know the reason!

______________________________________________________________________

More information generally. Why you’d be creating mobile dunes etc.

______________________________________________________________________

Future plans for dog walkers. Bridleway across whole field. Change kissing gate to ordinary gate/ risk of ponies escaping.

______________________________________________________________________

Keep areas fairly separate as they are now. Forest car park stays very busy so if one is walking or horse riding one knows where the quiet areas are. Love the horse box car park on the Malltraeth side (A4080) and the corral to saddle up. A shame it’s often used by tourists in summer.

______________________________________________________________________

Feel it would be useful/relevant for a visual (diagram/plan) to be seen in various sites around the forest - indicating WHY the change in the landscape is happening. Think also this sort of open discussions may not be realistically feasible as projected plans cannot only answer the public fears.

______________________________________________________________________

Close the access barrier at night (still access to locals only as it used to be, using key fob) so people cannot go and camp down there. It might be an idea to put diversion signs on the main coastal path that is underwater at the moment. Maybe it could be built up a bit along to the new bridge - the new pond helps but the path is completely underwater in places - not good when people are on a long walk! (I know it has been very wet).

Increased communication between NRW and the community so that we understand why changes are made to the forest, not "just because" but the environmental business and other reasons. We believe that the forest is ours & like to protect it - no one likes change, but when there is a justified reason then it is accepted.

With visitor numbers up, we need more people on site who could help visitors make more of this site. Visitor centre in main car park. Regular guided walks, more help for people unable to get about. Ensure blue trail is kept in good order.

What can you do about dogs off leads? I don't know! I no longer go into forest as a walker because of this. More information for people with dogs - why they shouldn't groom their animals in wildlife ponds.

Riding for disabled car park too small dealing with numbers.

More information avenues and data formats. Tactile and audible signs etc. Autistic friendly MP3 - Autistic Society short phrasing MP3, for riders and sensory deprivation, Geomapping/information tiles - iPhone tiles - guide dogs, Tile app.com.

Warden on site - no access to staff to answer questions re: forest/dunes no information leaflets for educational use for public.

Can park and ride be arranged for the public when the forest is closed for a private event 'Sandman Triathlon' loss of income. Also major loss of income on New Years' day car park full by 10.30 and continued all day.

Dog packs - Growing number of professional dog walkers without leads - out of control.

Paths - Why can't the paths marked as Red Squirrel Route not be made up to level above 'flooding ground all year round access for visitors/children. What was the £10,000 grant for? Also access path to the Abermenai Reserve bring back previous level. Gate is too heavy, it will be left open during the season by visitors. Thirdly, I would not welcome the increased ‘urbanisation’ of the forest with signs, barriers and so-called facilities for the disabled – often tokenistic due to tick-box, hypothecated funding approaches and very rarely used. The deployment of entirely pointless and again urbanising banners has added to the feeling that the immediate predecessors of NRW, and perhaps NRW in its earlier days, has sought to commercialise the forest in an inappropriate and unsuccessful way.

Fourthly, the increased focus on increasing car parking at NF is incompatible with environmental protection. However, the road toll is lucrative, which appears to sway NRW away from core ‘green’ principles and towards revenue generation. We do not want to wait for buses that never arrive, but we also want to see progressive moves away from everyone driving to the beach directly.

Fifthly, I am firmly opposed to commercial developments such as business parks, which NF management has actively pursued recently.

Sixthly, I hope that the petty and often unnecessary pursuit of zero-risk management does not lead to the unreasonable separation of activities at the beach areas. The ability for families to mix amongst and interact with those, for example, engaging in kite surfing, is always enjoyable and invariably relaxed and mutually-respectful in terms of allowing space and keeping activities safe in a self-regulated manner. There is no need to ghettoise the beach into ‘zones’.

Lastly, I consider that NRW must be extremely careful in its pursuit of income generation (which is not stated as an objective in your materials, but is known to be a driver from inside information), not to do that which is always done in areas attractive to visitors – to destroy it through commercialisation and inappropriate development. In performing its ‘management’, an open, and not closed set of ears must be kept for locals and professionals alike. Ignoring both these elements, including your own in-house experts, led to the immediate and expensive failure of the viewing platform and walkways.

Yn dilyn eich sesiwn “Galw Heibio” a’r rhaglen sgyrsiau yn Neuadd Pritchard Jones, Niwbwrch yn ddiweddar hoffwn gyflwyno'r sylwadau am dreftadaeth Tywyn a choedwig Niwbwrch, sydd yn hynod o bwysig i'w warchod ar gyfer y dyfodol. Mae'r ardal hon yn unigryw o ran amrediad ei chyfoeth, o gyfoeth hanesyddol a diwylliannol, o Oes y Cerrig hyd at dorri'r morhesg cyn yr Ail Ryfel Byd ac ei lle mewn llenyddiaeth Gymraeg megis pwysigrwydd yr ardal yng ngwaith Dafydd ap Gwilym; heb sôn am ddaeareg a natur. Teimlaf yn gryf fod agweddau penodol angen eu gwarchod a'u dehongli ymhellach nid er mwyn y trigolion lleol ond o ran treftadaeth Cymru.

1. Mae sawl enghraifft o aneddu hanesyddol, sy’n amlwg yn dangos cyfnod cynharach y tywyn ble oedd amaethu’n bosib. Mae bob un o’r rhain gyda’u “stori” unigryw ei hun sef: Tir Forgan, Y Pandy, Hendai, clwt gwlyb a Rhosydd. Mae’r storïau yma’n amryw o wybodaeth am y teulu oedd a’u hanes i Dir Forgan sydd yn safle hanesyddol cenedlaethol o bwys a hynny wedi ei gofnodi. Byddwn yn fwy na bodlon cynnig synopsis o’r “storïau” hyn i chi pe dymunwch. Hoffwn eich gweld fel asiantaeth yn eu diogelu fel nad ydynt yn difrodi fwyfwy e.e. megis clyd coed sy’n tyfu ynddynt ac o’u hamgylch, cryfhau cloddiau ayyb. Bu hyn yn digwydd yn y gorffennol, felly ni welaf pam na y gellir ei wneud eto.

2. Gŵyr pawb am y diwydiant morhesg yn Niwbwrch; ond mae bellach yn eiliadau iddi fod yn unfed awr ar ddeg, gyda ond un person yn gallu gwneud y bleth forhesg. Felly oni byddai yn gam arloesol i adfer darn o’r goedwig ble oedd y morhesg yn cael ei gynaeaf megis Cwt Cocyn neu Fraich y Fuches? Roedd y mwyaf o’r torri morhesg yn digwydd yn ardal y goedwig bresennol a’r 2 ardal orau oedd Cwt Cocyn a Braich y Following your “Drop In” session and your recent programme of talks at Neuadd Pritchard Jones, Newborough, I would like to present the comments regarding the heritage of Newborough Warren and Forest, which is essential to conserve for the future. This is an unique area as regards its range of wealth, ranging from historical and cultural wealth, from the Stone Age to the cutting of the marram grass before the Second World War and in the part it played within significant Welsh literature, namely the area’s importance in the works of Dafydd ap Gwilym; not to mention geology and nature. I feel strongly that specific aspects need to be conserved and interpreted further not (only) for the local inhabitants but for Welsh heritage.

3. There are several examples of historic dwellings, which evidently show the warren’s earlier era where agriculture was possible. Each one of these has its own unique “story” to tell, namely: Tir Forgan, Y Pandy, Hendai, clwt gwlyb and Rhosydd. These stories are (fraught) with information about the families and their histories (to) Tir Forgan which is also a historic site of national importance (which has been recorded). I would be more than happy to give you a synopsis of these “stories” should you wish. As an agency, I would like to see you safeguarding them so that they do not become even more damaged e.g. such as clearing trees which grow in or around them, reinforcing hedgerows etc. This was done in the past, so I cannot see why this could not be done again.

4. Everyone knows about the marram grass industry in Newborough; but we have now arrived at an eleventh hour situation, with only one person left who masters the skill of marram grass weaving. Therefore wouldn’t it be an innovative step to restore part of the forest where marram grass was once harvested, such as Cwt Cocyn or Braich y Fuches. The majority of the work of cutting marram grass was carried out in the area of the present forest and the best two areas were Cwt Cocyn and Braich y Fuches. Losing this craft and the awareness of these locations for ever would ultimately be a national tragedy. In my opinion, a body such as NRW has a duty, given its entire network of partners, to make the link between the historical landscape and the condition and history of this area of land which (is under its control) today. (It) cannot separate all the objectives, the site is an interwoven blend of history, nature and culture.

5. I believe it is essential to conserve/safeguard the use of names for specific areas within the forest and the existing dune (warren) before they’re forgotten for ever. We know only too well that “new” names are created due to lack of awareness of the old names – shouldn’t it be possible to create a project in conjunction with the Association of Place Names to record and keep these names once and for all? The number of local residents who know parts of the forest and the dune (warren) is dwindling every year and in the end there won’t be anyone left who used to (hunt) rabbits and gather marram grass on the whole dunes (warren) and refer to them by these names. And it would be good to see even small interpretation boards such as those at Llanddwyn e.g. Myrddyn Cil. This would add so much more to the experience of visitors who come to the forest and warren.

6. As a result of the programme of talks at PJ as part of the reserve’s 60 anniversary celebrations there now exists a nucleus of enthusiastic local people with a keen interest in establishing a heritage and history group in the area. Such a group would offer several opportunities to volunteer and contribute to local heritage in the catchment area of Newborough and Rhosyr. I would like to ask whether NRW could contribute to such a group in terms of volunteering, fieldwork, research, local history etc? There is also a clear opportunity to spark interest among young children locally to ensure that local history is transferred to the next generation.

It would be a ‘balm for the soul’ for someone who lives here at the Warren and whose roots go back 5 generations, to see that you, as an agency, are now ready to acknowledge the historical and cultural importance of the area rather than focusing purely on its commercial forestry aspect, however important that is. But most importantly, is to provide opportunities for children in the area to have a practical opportunity to ensure that their heritage is alive and also a chance to appreciate the outstanding beauty of its nature.

In my opinion, you would merit a feather in your cap as an agency, in safeguarding these aspects and recording very fragile aspects which Wales as a whole is on the verge of losing forever. I look forward to your comments.

______________________________________________________________________

Motor bikes in forest - minor issue, but some evidence of them using the area.

______________________________________________________________________

Llnau'r safleoedd hanesyddol o fewn y goedwig - Cleaning up historical sites within the forest

______________________________________________________________________

Tour Guides - Need training or a chaparone - possibly train the trainer? Boat launching for residents.

Gwella'r lon-culach a lay-by's go iawn - Improve road - narrower with real lay-by's

Sort out key issue for resident’s car park

Warden Station

Dog walkers and packs of dogs not under control. Can we restrict/require permits?

Advertising local businesses at the beach & vice versa

Road improvements - Cwmhingar car park improvements.

Cael lle i fynd a cwch i lan y môr - somewhere to launch boats

Cael llefydd ‘mond i redwyr - Places for runners only

Byrddau deliongli - hanes, natur - Interpretation boards - history, nature.

Grŵp natur i blant - nature/wildlife group for kids

Cael y Cwt 'bad' achub Llanddwyn ar agor - Get Lifeboat hut open on Llanddwyn

Gwneud pobl yn fwy ymwybodol na ni fel pobl sydd yn niweidio bywyd gwyllt - Make people more aware that it’s people like us that damage wildlife Request for interpretation signs to be placed on forest edge near Warren to explain the dune work and what paths to take.

NRW Website requires improvement with regards to recreation available at Newborough. Very plain with no maps etc.

Develop all ability trails using new technology tile apps etc.

Closer working relationship on recreation side with Forestry Community Group based in Lyn Parc Mawr.

Point raised about trying to benefit local community through events organised on site or encouraging local involvement in bike hire etc based in the village.

Point made to develop the tour guide offer from Holyhead cruise ships to Newborough.

Point raised about Pen Y Cob car park and the possibility to re-shape and add more space for cars as it is constantly full.

Point raised about residents car park and how many non-locals are using it now.